Ann Arbor, Mich. — In front of a roaring crowd of 110,648 at The Big House, the 14th-ranked Michigan Wolverines kicked off their 2025 campaign with a 34-17 victory over the New Mexico Lobos, powered by a breakout performance from running back Justice Haynes and a strong debut by freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Michigan wasted no time igniting the crowd, marching 78 yards in six plays on their opening drive, capped by a dazzling 56-yard touchdown run from Justice Haynes. After a quick defensive stop, Haynes found the end zone again, this time from five yards out, giving the Wolverines a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Lobos Hang Around
Momentum briefly stalled for Michigan in the second quarter, but the defense delivered a highlight when defensive end TJ Guy picked off a deflected pass deep in New Mexico territory. The offense couldn’t fully capitalize, settling for a 21-yard field goal by Dominic Zvada to extend the lead to 17-0.
New Mexico responded with their best drive of the half—a 12-play, 75-yard series—ending with a 9-yard trick-play touchdown pass from running back DJ McKinney to Dorian Thomas. The Lobos kept the pressure on by recovering a fumble on the ensuing kickoff at Michigan’s 29-yard line. However, the Wolverine defense held firm, forcing a 44-yard field goal by Luke Drzewiecki, cutting the lead to 17-10.
With less than two minutes before halftime, Michigan answered in style. Freshman QB Bryce Underwood led an efficient 8-play, 75-yard drive, finishing with a 15-yard touchdown pass to tight end Marlin Klein—his first career TD pass—to give the Wolverines a 24-10 lead at the break.
Wolverines Close the Door
Michigan came out of the locker room with purpose, driving 73 yards on their first possession of the third quarter. But New Mexico’s defense stiffened, limiting the Wolverines to a 39-yard Zvada field goal, pushing the score to 27-10.
The Lobos kept it interesting with a clock-chewing 15-play, 75-yard drive that lasted eight minutes. Quarterback Jack Layne connected again with Dorian Thomas, this time from three yards out, trimming the deficit to 27-17 heading into the fourth.
But Michigan’s defense slammed the door shut. Defensive back Brandyn Hillman grabbed a key interception early in the fourth quarter, setting up a 6-play, 80-yard scoring drive, capped by Haynes’ third touchdown of the day, a 1-yard plunge that made it 34-17.
Later in the quarter, linebacker Cole Sullivan sealed the win with another interception, ending any hopes of a New Mexico comeback.
By the Numbers:
Justice Haynes was the engine of the offense, racking up 159 yards and 3 touchdowns on 16 carries.
Bryce Underwood impressed in his first start, finishing 21-of-31 for 251 yards and a touchdown.
Marlin Klein, a reliable target all game, posted 6 catches for 93 yards and a score.
What’s Next:
Michigan faces a major early-season test next Saturday as they hit the road to face #18 Oklahoma.
New Mexico will look to regroup at home in Week 2.
